Monday, January 8, 2018

The toppings and cocoa bar

So, those nice jars that I cleaned up last week. Here they are filled.

The kiosk where I saw something similar was selling funnel cakes or ice cream or something like that, which were topped with customer's choice from some nice jars. Those jars were filled with sprinkles, chopped nuts, granola, gummy candies, mini marshmallows, and chocolate chips. My thought in that moment was "wouldn't these be fun filled with sprinkles to add to toast, bread and butter, pbj's, waffles, yogurt, cocoa, or ice cream, just to fun-tize something which is otherwise sort of ordinary."

I had to take care to not buy anything that would just be eaten by the handful, so chocolate chips would not be an option, nor would granola (otherwise I would be refilling the jars daily). And I wanted to do this on a budget, so I scoured my kitchen (leftover candy canes anyone?), then went to WinCo for their bulk bin selection and low prices.

Besides the large jar in the center back filled with cocoa mix, this is what else I chose for the jars.

rainbow sprinkles

chopped peanuts

mini marshmallows

chocolate sprinkles

broken candy canes

flaked coconut

All set on a simple tray from my pantry. Now, who would like a piece of fairy bread?

20 comments:

Oh, yum. So, is the tray out at all times or just when you want to serve dessert or hot cocoa when the items will be used? I can see someone grabbing a handful of peanuts or candy canes as they walk by.

I used a jar of marinara sauce this weekend and the jar had measurements on the side--1/4, 1/3, 1/2 cup, 1 cup, etc. That jar is now a keeper and I found myself explaining why I needed another jar.

Hi Alice,It now sits on the counter, for winter at least, for whenever someone wants cocoa or a snack. It's working without needing to be refilled too often, so far.

I have one of those marinara jars. I think it was Classico brand, from many years ago. I use it for canning salsa and it survives the home-canning process. It also makes a great measuring cup for liquids, in a pinch.

Oh so pretty! And such a great idea for these cold winters. Your family will enjoy the fun of staying warm with hot chocolate! And I know what you mean about some things being eaten by the handful... lol... and it would be me that does it!

Hi Little Penpen, Thank you! Peppermint-marshmallow cocoa was hit this past weekend. Oh yes, chocolate chips would be my downfall, if that is what I had chosen. So far, we're doing okay without gobbling the toppings by the handful. Most of what is in the containers is semi-ordinary stuff from the pantry, like the coconut, chopped peanuts, and broken candy canes, which haven't been eaten unusually fast when in the pantry. So, I think we're good on our selection. Have a wonderful day, LP!

Hi YHF,Rainbow sprinkles always look like a party to me. So, toast with sprinkles is like "party toast." Rainbow sprinkles on oatmeal, "party oatmeal." It's like having a bundle of helium balloons in my hand! If a food can be "happy" rainbow sprinkles must be it, IMO. have a great day, YHF!

Hi Cat,Oh, yeah, the marshmallows are perhaps the only really snack-able item, for our family, too. But it could also be a great idea for a birthday party or special celebration -- filling jars with different toppings for ice cream sundaes, and letting kids top their own. I'll try to keep posting a few times per week, in the next month. Another wrench was thrown in my way again today. I hope that your year is off to a fabulous beginning!